Vintage Reef

I'm pleased as punch to introduce Vintage Reef to my Virginia retailers!

Developed by a Jersey Shore retailer, this line of expandable bracelets is entirely coastal themed.  You can now offer your customers this hot trend with a focused collection without a multi-thousand dollar investment with one of the big name suppliers.

All bracelets are made of a 14-gauge iron wire with an antique finish - either gold or silver - and feature a single charm and nugget of sea glass.  You can choose from 18 charms and 5 colors of sea glass to create your own assortment, or you can let Vintage Reef send you an assortment of best sellers.  All charms are lead and nickel free.

The line was originally created for a single store, but the bracelets retailed so well that the owner decided to bring them to the wholesale market so that you can reap the benefits, as well!  You can be the first in your area to offer these to your customer as this is really the inaugural season for it.

You can get started for just $396.  The starter kit includes 50 bracelets, a free 2-tier branded display fixture (see below) and FREE FREIGHT on your first shipment.  All items are assembled in and ship from New Jersey.

There are other starter kit options that include more elaborate displays and new necklaces.

Suggested retail on both bracelets and necklaces is $18 which allows you to offer a friendly retail price while also maintaining a comfortable margin.

Because it's a retailer-developed product, you can rest a little easier knowing that each design is already proven at retail and your risk for bringing in a new line is quite low.

Preview 2015 - Studio Oh!

Another new addition to my 2015 portfolio is Studio Oh, manufacturers of paper and stationery products.  Studio Oh works with a fantastic group of exceptionally talented illustrators whose artwork helps ensure products that are fresh, inspired and as engaging as possible.

For 2015, the company has an exciting new partnership with Orla Kiely.  She is best known for her designs that reflect her passion for pattern and color while referencing the mid-century modernist era.

 

The collection includes boxed note cards, small notebook sets, fabric-covered journals & address books, agendas and desk accessories.

 

The other illustators at Studio Oh are

• Lily & Val - the honest, authentic simplicity of chalkboard art and the nostalgia that it inspires (photo at top)
• Katie Daisy - exuberant watercolors with distinctive hand lettering that carries the wisdom of famous humanitarians (photo below)
• Alyssa Nassner - bright, fresh illustrations featuring clever typography and whimsical surface design
• Louise Cunningham - ink drawings combined with painted paper collages result in images that are vibrant, quirky, colorful and full of charm
• Marisa Redondo - watercolor paintings that are inspired by nature, space, culture and the artist's young son
• Becca Cahan - watercolor paintings that incorporate hand lettering on images influenced by childrens book illustrations, fabric and pattern designers and places she has visited

 

 

Studio Oh has added ceramic trinket dishes and mugs to their successful stationery categories, and the signature deconstructed journals remain top sellers.

I'm eager to show you new product - or introduce you to the line for the first time - and get these in your store.  If you're headed to the Atlanta show next week, I'm not able to work with you there - but I will gladly bring the Atlanta show to you afterwards so you can order at your shop where all your records and files are handy.

Preview 2015 - Paddywax

As we turn the page on a new year, I'm happy to share than I am your Paddywax rep once again.  And there is much to be excited about!

Paddywax continues to develop fragrance collections that are sophisticated and packaged for maximum shelf appeal.  They also allow you a very reasonable retail with a margin that you - and your accountant - will love.

The new Foundry collection (pictured above) is one of four (yes - 4!) new collections for spring.  Foundry candles are poured in metallic bowls of copper, brass, silver and gunmetal to make a show-stopping decorative accent.  The Bergamot & Mahogany is one you absolutely must smell.  In my years of working with scented candles, I can say this is one of the top 3 that I've ever encountered.  In fact, I'm burning it even as I write this!

The other new collections are:

• Flower Market brings your favorite blooms to life through organic illustrations and gorgeous fragrance.  Available in matte ceramics, illustrated tins and new shea butter soaps!
• Terrain is presented in handcrafted ceramic jars with earthy stripes in muted colors that are layered with rich texture.
• Provisions is a celebration of culinary crafts in creamy matte ceramics filled with delectable fragrances to entice the senses.

You will also find an expanded Watercolor collection including a 28-oz (you read that right - 28 ounces) and 8-oz candle poured in beautiful ombre glass containers.

There is also a new fragrance in the now-classic Relish collection (pictured above).  The white candle is now available as Dandelion & Clover.

I'm eager to bring these to you and get them on your shelves so you can watch them fly out the door.  If you're headed to the Atlanta show next week, I'm not able to work with you there - but I will gladly bring Atlanta to you afterwards where you can order at your store with all your files and records handy.

And don't forget that all Paddywax products are Made in the USA.

Preview 2015 - Opal Candles from Vance Kitira

The new Opal Collection from Vance Kitira is an assortment of uniquely shaped pillars with rounded corners and a translucent, shimmering, jewel-like finish.

Each candle is unscented and available in 4 colors and 3 sizes.  The colors (from left to right) are Yellow, Pink, Gray and Light Blue.

The collection is created in a multi-step process that begins with a square candle of clear wax.  Vance then removes the candle's core and fills it with colored wax.  Once the colored wax solidifies, he removes the corners and right angles and paints each candle with an iridescent pearl finish.

The candle's color comes from the core layer of wax, but both layers will burn as one so that you have a clean burn during use.

If you're planning to attend one of the winter markets, you can find Vance in

• Atlanta - Americasmart Building 2, Showroom #1328B
• New York - Javits Center Booth #1002

I'm available to work with you at either location - just let me know when you're coming by so I'm ready for you!

Preview 2015 - Vintage Dictionary Art

New to market in January at the Werner Frank showroom is a charming, affordable wall décor concept called Vintage Dictionary Art. 

Each item is made from actual vintage Webster's Dictionary pages.  The golden patina pages are removed from the books by hand and printed with an extensive variety of images.  Pages are then mounted to a hardwood board and with a wooden hanger attached to the back for a complete ready-to-hang product.

It's perfect when you need a unique gift for someone - or when you are looking to bring some life to a small space.  Group multiple pages together to create a mélange in a larger space.

 

The company makes it easy for you to merchandise the line in a small footprint with the point-of-sale fixture above (also available as a 2-page display) that contains both your display and stock.  Or you may decide to group them together on a wall for maximum impact, suggesting how your customer can use them in their own home.

 

The opening order minimum is just 24 pieces. 

Preview 2015 - Abbott debuts their US showroom at Americasmart in January

At long last you will able to view the whole Abbott line in one place this January when the company opens its first US showroom at Americasmart in Atlanta!

The new showroom is #1233 in building 2.  It is conveniently located a few steps down the hall from the Werner Frank showroom and - even more conveniently for many of you - directly across from the ladies room. 

You can expect a grand opening that will make you take notice, and I will share the details as they become available.

The showroom is Abbott's first permanent presence in the US.  The company has long been a prominent player in the Canadian market and has won 2 awards as Best Supplier by the Canadian Gift & Trade Association.

Abbott's offerings extend across multiple product categories, allowing you a one-stop experience to cover your needs rather than scouring the mart to source out each category individually. 

The most extensive category is Entertaining (barware, serving pieces and linens).  You will also find a robust selection of decorative garden items, doormats, candleholders, vases, hardware (wall hooks and drawer knobs) and an extensive offering of coastal themed merchandise.

You may also be surprised that Abbott is a great place to find those unique, special items that are real "finds" and allow you a comfortable margin while setting your shop apart from your neighbors.

Click here to make an appointment with me to explore Abbott's new space - and to explore the neighboring Werner Frank showroom.

Preview 2015 - New Ginny McCormack cookbook & linens

For everyone who loves her original cookbook Sunday in the South, Ginny McCormack is publishing a new cookbook for 2015 called Seasons in the South.

Just like the original, it includes more delicious recipes that still only call for ingredients that are readily available at most markets.  She does not use hard-to-find items that require a separate trip to a specialty market - or an internet search to find out where to buy something obscure.

At the January market, she is also launching a companion product line called Southern Sisters.  The line of textiles features her signature No-Fuss fabric that is exclusive to her company.  It is engineered to have the look and feel of cotton but with the easy-care properties of spun polyester.  The fabric does not wrinkle, shrink or fade - ever.

Southern Sisters will include dinner napkins, placemats, table runners, tea towels and pillows in a beautiful array of solid colors and patterns.

If you're looking for a store event idea that will draw customers, Ginny LOVES to do book signings and is already filling her spring/summer schedule.  Now with 2 books and a linen line, her appearance is sure to create even more excitement!

If you're planning to be at the January market in Atlanta, come see the whole collection at the Werner Frank showroom in #1200 in building 2.

Click here to make an appointment with me to see this great new product - and all the others listed on the upper right of this page.